Voluntary Emergency Services Conference, Co. Donegal

October 25, 2017

The Northwest Regional Working Group for Major Emergency Management, representing the Principal Response Agencies (PRA), and in conjunction with the Defence Forces, held a conference / expo for the Voluntary Emergency Services (VES) operating across the northwest of Ireland, on Saturday 21st October 2017 at Finner Camp Army Barracks, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal.

The conference commenced with registration at 9am and finished at approximately 4pm. The format of the conference was a short PowerPoint presentation on emergency response delivered by each of the PRAs plus all of the VES present, with extended breaks to facilitate networking and viewing of stands and equipment displays. The conference provided an ideal opportunity for members of the VES to meet with senior operational staff from each of the PRA’s and the Defence Forces to share knowledge and also help to develop stronger links between all organisations.

A presentation on Civil Defence was delivered by Ms. Edel Flynn, Civil Defence Officer, reflecting on the capabilities of the Civil Defence organisation in Donegal and as part of the North West Region. Civil Defence also provided a range of emergency vehicles and specialist equipment as part of the Expo, including a Incident Command Vehicle, 4 x 4 Landcruiser Ambulance, Search & Rescue Vehicle, Rescue Larkin Frame, Boats, Rafts, Drones and Radio Communications. Donegal Civil Defence was represented on the day by, Mr. Denis Gallagher, Mr. Mickey Feeney, Mr. Paidin Doherty, Mr. Paddy Byrne, Mr Leno DaSilva, Mr. Donal Bonner and Mr. Phonsie McAteer.